Location: Animal Disease Research
Project Number: 2090-32000-040-009-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 10, 2019
End Date: Jun 30, 2022
Objective:
The objectives of this research are 1) to titrate a standardized dose for the improved sporozoite vaccine, and 2) to validate in large scale immunization and challenge studies in Morocco.
Approach:
The improved T. parva sporozoite vaccine developed will be tested in Morocco facilities. We will transfer our in vitro tick feeding system technology. The system will be to isolate T. parva sporozoites and upscale production. Fine dose titration, safety analysis and challenge trials in large numbers of genetically diverse cattle will be tested. We will scale up vaccine production, optimize titration, and test safety/efficacy in a large group of genetically diverse Bos taurus and B. indicus. Safety and efficacy testing will be compared between the improved T. parva vaccines to the standard ITM. All immunized animals will be monitored for clinical signs of East Coast Fever. To determine immune protection, all cattle will be challenged two months after immunization with 50 T. parva Muguga infected R. appendiculatus.
